The Battle of the River Granicus 334BC

Battle Map at the Granicus

The Battle of the Granicus was the first decisive battle in Alexander's Persian campaign. It was this battle that allowed him to enter into Asia and begin to harrass the Persian Empire. The sources which discuss this battle are many and vary in their accounts.

Your task is to research o the internet and in your text books, and in a short blog share what you think is a reliable account of the battle, including who was present at the battle, what the numbers were on each side, the actions of some of the key persons and a main outcome of the battle. Possible sources include Plutatch, Arrian, Callisthenes, Robin Lane Fox, J.R. Hamilton

The Battle at Issus 333BC

Alexander and Darius III at Issus

After the Granicus, Alexander continued to move his army south, and in 333 BC when he came to the region of Southern Anatolia, he was confronted by the Persian Emperor himself - Darius III. At the Granicus Alexander had not been expected to win, but he overcame two of Darius' supposedly proficient Satraps, now, vastly outnumbered, he was definitely not supposed to proceed.


Using your various sources, make a judgement for yourself on the numbers at the battle, the actions of key persons and the outcome of the battle.


Also, include a short statement on which primary source you think is the most reliable for this battle. Use evidence to support your judgment.

The Battle at Gaugamela 331BC

Alexander the eve before the battle

The Battle at Gaugamela was fought deep in Persian territory, where Alexander was far outnumbered and isolated from his country or reinforcements. It was the decisive battle for him, and his victory there severely weakened the Persian Empire. Ancient sources are varied in terms of numbers, but all say that Alexander was vastly outnumbered. Some of the estimates concerning Persian numbers include:
Arrian 40,000 cavalry and 1,000,000 infantry
Diodorus Siculus 200,000 cavalry and 800,000 infantry
Plutarch 1,000,000 troops
Curtius Rufus 45,000 cavalry and 200,000 infantry

According to Arrian, the most reliable historian of Alexander (who is believed to be relying on the work of the eye-witness Ptolemy), Alexanders troops numbered 7,000 cavalry and 40,000 infantry, a lot less that the Persian army!!

In your opinon, how did Alexander out-general Darius III? Immediately before, during and immediately after the battle. What do you think his best tactics were?

Check out this video on youtube for a visual analysis of the battle from the movie Alexander

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDhUZGX4T0s

The Siege of the Sogdian Rock 327BC

The Siege of the Sogdian Rock was one of the last decisive battles Alexander was involved in. The Rock was thought to be inpregnable and when Alexander asked the defenders to surrender, they refused, telling him that he would need "men with wings" to capture it.

In your opinion, what was the most important factor that led to Alexanders victory.

Also, what was the most important outcome of the battle and why?